Help bust The Refectory bandits

The startling, daylight take-over robbery took place a month ago – and police need your help finding the criminals who terrorized this popular outer East Portland restaurant …

The Refectory, a well-known dining and meeting establishment, was taken over by armed robbers on February 15. See if you can help the cops bust these dangerous crooks.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
The Friday morning – one month ago, on February 15 – was a crisp winter day that started to warm as the sun came out.

Workers were going about their routine of setting up for their lunch crowd at The Refectory, 1618 NE 122nd Avenue, just north of NE Halsey Street, across from the parking lot from the outer Gateway Winco grocery store.

At 9:14 a.m., two thugs strolled in, forced employees to the ground, and stole money from the safe. Additionally, the suspects stole an employee’s 2005 gray Jeep Liberty to use as their getaway vehicle. On Saturday, February 16, Fairview Police recovered the vehicle in the 2700 block of Northeast 205th Avenue.

Suspect #1 is described as a white male in his 30’s, 5’8 -5’10”, 200 pounds, light brown hair, stubble on his face, and wearing a blue hooded jacket.

Suspect #2 is described as white, possibly a female, in the 30’s, 5’8, 180 pounds, wearing an orange and blue jacket with a white stripe across the chest and back. The suspect’s face was covered during the robbery.

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to the an arrest in this case, or for any unsolved felony, and you can remain anonymous. Call Crime Stoppers at (503) 823-HELP (4357).